My law partner, Erin Rathjen-Decker, and I started our own law firm, Lee & Decker Family Law, LLC on April 20, 2026. We brought our associate, Lauren Geisz, our paralegal, Patty Rayman, and our executive assistant, Amy Feltman, and started off a new adventure together. And after the wallpaper was hung and the paint had dried and the carpet was finished and the space decorated, it occurred to me that starting a new firm is a lot like a family law case.
Because leaving a firm is never an easy decision, and starting a new firm is exciting and scary and thrilling and energizing, just like in a family law case. Ending a relationship and starting something new is filled with emotions, some you anticipate, like being sad or scared, and some you may not, like being relieved and happy. But the end of the relationship also means you are starting something new; something you get to create all on your own. It may involve moving, or it may involve redecorating, but it will certainly involve creating new memories and traditions for you and your new family dynamic.
Your family law case will involve many issues that may be brand new to you, and you should discuss those with your attorney to get their input; just like during a law firm’s creation and construction when you are relying on others to create the vision you have in mind. You should not feel afraid or embarrassed to ask as many questions as you need of your attorney, just as we did with our contractors and designers.
Remember also, that in the end, while your relationship with your spouse or law firm didn’t work out, it’s less helpful to look to blame someone or something, and more helpful (and fun) to look to the future to see what’s next.
For any family law matters (but not construction matters), please reach out to one of the attorneys at Lee & Decker Family Law.